Jade Smith 9 WAYS TO HELP OUR PLANET

1.CLIMATE CHANGE COULD IMPACT SPICES

© Martina Lippuner / WWF

The climate is changing the spices. The spice vanilla grows slow and it is difficult to cultivate. It
is grown in an area prone to extreme weather events. WWF (World Wildlife) works with CARE
and McCormick & Company to help producers become more resilient to extremer weather
conditions and changes.

2.AUSTRALIA IS CLEANING UP THE BEACH

COPYRIGHT © 2014-2017 THE LAST PLASTIC STRAW ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. SITE DESIGN & GRAPHICS: KIM FERRELL
A group of running enthusiasts called Responsible Runners in Australia are cleaning up their
beaches. They are a group that promotes and organizes beach clean-up efforts.

3.PREVENT FOREST FIRES

https://smokeyzone.com/collections/fire-danger-signs
Smokey the Bear and his signs help prevent forest fires. They show us the different danger levels
for a fire.
4.WATER: USE RESPONSIBLY

https://www.otonabeeconservation.com/programs/water-programs/low-water-conditions-and-
drought/water-conservation/
Making small changes in the way we use water can have a big impact if we follow the 3 R’s.
There are 3 R’s to water conservation: reduce, repair, retrofit. If you use those in and around
your home, then you can help conserve water.

5.KEEP THE SOIL ALIVE.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/conservation/
Farmers are realizing how important soil conservation is. They found that they can reduce soil
erosion by growing multiple crops in the same field. It conserves soil nutrients as well.

6.WHO NEEDS GAS WHEN YOU CAN USE THE SUN.

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/conservation/
A car dealership in San Francisco, California installed solar panels across its roof. It is expected
to generate 370,000 kilowatt hours of electricity every year.
7.HELP THE HUMPBACK!

© Conservation International/photo by Olive Andrews)

Whales face many threats from humans. Whales are hit by ships and are greatly affected by ocean
noise and climate change. You can help minimize that by boating responsibly and at a safe distance.
When you take your pictures during your boating trip, you can send them to Happywhale.com to help
with whale research.

8.THERE MAY BE HOPE FOR WETLANDS.

Shutterstock/Gaston Piccinetti
Overpopulation, economic development, and climate change are contributing to the decline of
wetlands in Africa. Part of the solution to protecting these wetlands is accurate inventories.
Gathering data from satellite-based sensors, called Earth observation data, could also offer a
solution.

9.IS OUR “HELPING” ACTUALLY HURTING?

https://theconversation.com/death-by-775-cuts-how-conservation-law-is-failing-the-black-
throated-finch-110704
Research suggests there is a real danger of the black-throated finch suffering extinction by a
thousand cuts. Its habitat continues to be lost. To help stop this there has to be a halt in the
ongoing loss of habitat. There needs to be political willingness to actually helping endangered
species protection.